Published on
January 7, 2026
Vietnam has firmly established itself as the top destination for Chinese tourists, surpassing Thailand with a remarkable 41% growth in 2025. This surge is attributed to the nation’s close proximity, enhanced travel connections, and the growing appeal of its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, which have made it a favorite among Chinese travelers. With over five million visitors from China, Vietnam’s tourism sector is not only thriving but reshaping the regional tourism landscape.
In 2025, Vietnam experienced an unprecedented boom in its tourism sector, with international arrivals reaching new heights. The country recorded a remarkable 21.2 million foreign tourists, a 20.4% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in tourism marked the highest level of visitors ever recorded in Vietnam’s history, signaling the country’s strong recovery and growth as a global travel destination.
A significant contributor to this growth was the increase in visitors from Mainland China. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Vietnam in 2025 rose by 41% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 5.2 million. This surge reflected a broader shift in Chinese travel preferences, with more tourists opting for Vietnam over other destinations in Southeast Asia. Experts point to several factors driving this trend, including Vietnam’s high safety standards, proximity to China, and affordable travel options. These factors combined to make Vietnam an attractive and accessible destination for Chinese travelers, contributing significantly to the country’s record-breaking tourism numbers.
Alongside China, South Korea emerged as another major source of visitors to Vietnam in 2025. The strong demand from South Korean travelers, coupled with the increasing appeal of Vietnam’s vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty, contributed to the country’s overall tourism growth. Tourists from South Korea flocked to major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Vietnam’s coastal regions, where they enjoyed the country’s pristine beaches and historical landmarks.
Vietnam’s success story contrasts sharply with the challenges faced by some of its regional competitors, particularly Thailand. Once a tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia, Thailand struggled throughout 2025 due to a series of setbacks that undermined its status as a top destination for international travelers. The country recorded a decline of 7.2% in overall international arrivals, marking the first such drop in a decade, excluding the pandemic period.
The number of tourists visiting Thailand in 2025 fell to 329 million, compared to 355 million in 2024. The decline was most noticeable in the number of Chinese visitors, which dropped by 32%, from 6.6 million in 2024 to 4.5 million in 2025. Several factors contributed to this decline, including safety concerns, natural disasters, and political tensions.
Thailand’s tourism industry was hit hard by a series of unfortunate events in 2025. One of the most significant incidents was a highly publicized kidnapping, which raised concerns about safety in the country. Additionally, Thailand was struck by a deadly earthquake that caused widespread damage and loss of life, further deterring tourists from visiting. The country also faced ongoing tensions with its neighbor, which led to border disputes and fears of instability. On top of these challenges, severe flooding in popular tourist areas further exacerbated the situation, leading many travelers to reconsider their plans to visit Thailand.
As a result of these issues, Thailand experienced a noticeable decline in foreign tourist arrivals, particularly from China, its largest source market. Once a favorite destination for Chinese travelers, Thailand’s appeal began to wane in 2025, with many opting for alternative destinations like Vietnam, which offered a safer, more affordable, and increasingly popular alternative.
The drop in tourism numbers in Thailand was especially significant given the country’s historical status as one of Southeast Asia’s most visited destinations. For many years, Thailand had been the undisputed leader in the region, attracting millions of international visitors each year with its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. However, the combination of safety concerns, natural disasters, and political instability in 2025 led to a marked shift in travel patterns, with travelers opting for destinations like Vietnam that offered similar attractions without the associated risks.
In contrast, Vietnam’s tourism industry continued to thrive in 2025, benefiting from its growing reputation as a safe and affordable destination. The country’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse offerings—ranging from the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the serene landscapes of Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta—continued to attract international visitors. Moreover, Vietnam’s government has made significant investments in tourism infrastructure, which have further enhanced the country’s appeal as a travel destination.
The surge in tourism also had a positive impact on Vietnam’s economy, as the sector contributed significantly to the country’s GDP growth in 2025. The increase in international visitors helped boost demand for local goods and services, ranging from accommodations and dining to transportation and tours. As a result, many sectors within the Vietnamese economy, including hospitality, retail, and transportation, benefited from the influx of tourists.
Looking ahead, Vietnam’s tourism industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with projections for 2026 indicating that the country will welcome even more international visitors. As neighboring countries like Thailand struggle with a decline in tourism, Vietnam stands poised to capitalize on the changing travel landscape. With its affordability, safety, and proximity to key markets like China and South Korea, Vietnam is well-positioned to maintain its status as one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive travel destinations in the coming years.
In 2025, Vietnam has outpaced Thailand to become the top destination for Chinese tourists, with a 41% growth driven by its proximity, improved travel links, and growing cultural appeal.
2025 was a landmark year for Vietnam’s tourism industry, with the country achieving record-breaking arrivals and experiencing a surge in Chinese visitors. Meanwhile, Thailand faced a significant decline in international tourists, largely due to safety concerns and political instability. As the tourism industry in Southeast Asia continues to evolve, Vietnam’s growing appeal presents a promising future, while Thailand must address its challenges in order to regain its status as a top destination for international travelers.
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